Design and analysis of thick-film integrated inductors for power converters

This paper describes the design procedures followed to obtain a thick-film inductor for its application in DC/DC power microconverters. The main characteristics of the new technology used are commented upon and design equations are given. Results are compared to those obtained by means of finite-element analysis tools. Details of some thick-film inductors developed with this technique (within the framework of the IMPASS Esprit Project (number 23910), financed by the European Community) are also given. The inclusion of one of these inductors in a 5-to-3.3-V DC/DC converter contributes to obtaining a very high power density: 6.25 W/cm/sup 3/.